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Pilar (Pili ) Linares has stepped into the role of general manager for the Port Arthur News and the Orange Leader, succeeding former Publisher Stephen Hemelt.

Hemelt has accepted an opportunity in another field.

With extensive experience in the newspaper industry across Texas and Washington, Linares most recently served as the General Manager of Sound Publishing’s Kitsap Group of newspapers. She is fluent in Spanish and was previously the publisher of La Raza del Noroeste, Sound Publishing’s Spanish-language paper. Prior to the COVID pandemic, she was the regional advertising director for Sound Publishing’s newspapers on the Eastside and North King County, and she also held the position of advertising director at the Everett Daily Herald.

In addition to her work at Sound Publishing, Linares has served as general manager of the Texarkana Gazette, advertising manager for the Beaumont Enterprise and the Houston Chronicle, vice president of advertising for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, and marketing director for the Newspaper Association of America.

Born in Chicago to a Cuban family—her brothers were born in Cuba—Linares has strong ties to her heritage. “My mom actually came over pregnant with me,” she shared. Though she was born in Chicago, she grew up in Houston and earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Texas.

In her new position, Pili plans to oversee all aspects of the business while mentoring and supporting her staff. She aims to engage with the community by attending various Rotary clubs, chambers of commerce, and local businesses alongside her sales team. “I’m ready to jump in to help anywhere, anytime on anything that’s needed,” she stated.

Linares is optimistic about revitalizing the newspaper’s business and expanding the team. “I love engaging with our communities and local businesses throughout Southeast Texas,” she remarked. “We get to lead the community conversation through our editorial content and assist businesses in their growth with our advertising solutions.”

In her free time, Linares enjoys swimming, traveling, reading spy and mystery novels, and watching British mystery shows. She has been in the area for a few weeks and is excited to be back home in Texas!